Why Does My Dog Smell?

The hidden health reasons behind bad odour, gas and itchy skin.

Every dog owner knows the familiar "wet dog" smell after a swim or a walk in the rain. But what happens when that smell never seems to go away?

From persistent body odour and bad breath to excessive flatulence, itchy skin and recurring ear problems, many pet owners simply assume these issues are normal — particularly for certain breeds.

However, according to Animal Nutrition Specialist and Founder of Houndztooth, Rachael Tricarico, ongoing odours can often be the body's way of signalling that something deeper may be happening beneath the surface.

"Many pet owners become accustomed to their dog's smell and don't realise when it changes," says Rachael. "If your dog suddenly smells different, it's worth paying attention. Just as changes in breath, skin or body odour can signal health issues in people, unusual odours in dogs are often the body's way of communicating that something isn't quite right."

A dog's skin and digestive system are closely linked to their overall wellbeing. The gut microbiome, the community of bacteria and microorganisms living within the digestive tract, plays an important role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function and maintaining balance throughout the body.

When that balance is disrupted, some dogs may experience signs such as increased flatulence, changes in stool quality, skin irritation or a stronger-than-normal odour.

Rachael says owners should avoid dismissing ongoing smells as "just the way their dog is."

"Persistent body odour, excessive flatulence, itchy skin or recurring ear issues shouldn't automatically be dismissed as normal for a particular breed. These symptoms can often be early indicators that something deeper is out of balance, whether that's related to the skin barrier, digestive health, allergies or the microbiome."

Some breeds may be more susceptible to certain skin and odour challenges. Dogs with deep skin folds, such as Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs, can be prone to moisture build-up that creates the ideal environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive.

However, genetics are only one part of the picture.

"While genetics certainly play a role, predisposition doesn't mean these issues are unavoidable," says Rachael.

Diet, environmental allergens, grooming routines, skin care, and maintaining a healthy gut and skin barrier can all contribute to a dog's overall comfort and wellbeing.

The key is recognising when a normal dog smell becomes something more concerning.

A sudden change in odour, persistent bad breath, excessive scratching, licking, repeated ear infections or ongoing digestive issues should always be discussed with a veterinarian to identify any underlying medical conditions.

Rachael believes education is one of the most powerful tools pet owners have when it comes to supporting their dog's health.

"Many owners only focus on symptoms once they become severe, but paying attention to subtle changes, whether that's a different smell, increased itching, changes in the coat or digestive issues, can help owners take a more proactive approach to their pet's wellbeing."

The good news is that many odour-related issues can often be managed through a combination of proper veterinary care, appropriate nutrition, good skin hygiene and addressing the underlying cause rather than simply masking the smell.

For pet owners, the message is simple: a dog should smell like a dog, but if that smell suddenly changes, becomes overwhelming or is accompanied by other symptoms, it may be worth investigating what their body is trying to say.